The inaugural sitting of the eighth parliament will be held on Tuesday, September 1. Among the first orders of business for the new parliament will be the appointment of MPs to key positions including the position of speaker and opposition leader.

Several rounds of talks were held on Monday as well, regarding the formation of a national government and the future business of parliament. Party leaders of UPFA met with President Sirisena at the president’s residence on Monday morning.

Wimal Weerawansa , Vasudeva Nanayakkara and Dinesh Gunawardena were among the leaders who were present representing the UPFA. Secretary of the Pivithuru Hela Urumaya and UPFA MP elect, Udaya Gammanpila claimed that he had not received an invitation for the meeting.

Leader of the National Freedom Front Wimal Weerawansa stated that, during this discussion, they tabled several suggestions with regard their decision as to prevent participation in any political journey with the UNP.

He also pointed out facts about the negative outcome if  the UNP and UPFA work together and appointed persons from the SLFP and UPFA in the upcoming local government elections.

He added that MPs who will be seated in the opposition should be given the free will to select who they wish to appoint as the opposition leader. His reply to this was that he will not be involved in the selection process of the opposition leader, and that he will provide the opportunity to those who are seated in the opposition to select whomever they wish.

Member of SLFP Committee on National Government Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated that they discussed how they can create a national government which is consensual and how they can solve problems through delegation and devolution.

He went on to note that by tomorrow, President Sirisena will be taking a democratic decision with regard to the Parliament.

Journalist:
What about the issue of the opposition leader being from the TNA?.

Answer:
I cannot disclose anything about this. A democratic decision will be reached tomorrow.

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